Bethlehem Township Committee has taken the final step to getting an electric generator to power some of the municipal complex for possible use as an emergency shelter in times of power failure. It’s lined up the money.

In the meantime, it’s urging residents who may need special aid when the power goes out, such as those on life-support equipment, to register with Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L). The form is available on the township website or can be obtained by calling the utility company at 800-662-3115 and asking for Critical Customer Care Program services.

Also, since Bethlehem residents have wells with electric-powered water pumps, they may want to use the JCP&L registry for those who want to be notified if the power outage is likely to be lengthy.

For both life-support and well registry, the phone calls will come if power is expected to be out more than 24 hours. If that’s the case, customers will be told where water and ice are available.

Two storms last year, Tropical Storm Irene and the late-October snowstorm, caused some Bethlehem residents to lose power for up to a week. This led to discussions of getting a generator and eventually the decision to proceed.

At its Sept. 6 meeting, the committee gave final approval for a funding ordinance allocating $10,000 for the generator, related equipment and installation. The money is coming from a capital surplus account.

The project has been under discussion by the committee at meetings going back to February. Committeeman Steve Keefe reported at the meeting on Aug. 2 that the low bidder, Havay Electrical Contracting, wanted half the cost as a down payment.

Havay, the firm of township resident John Havay, offered to supply and install a propane-fueled, 20kw, 240-volt single-phase standby generator for $9,800. This includes installing a sub-panel in the Maintenance Building to feed the well pump that supplies two buildings at the complex on Mine Road.

The township Department of Public Works is handling installing the generator mounting pad, soil trenching and piping for the propane.